Pitch controlled ground effect vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle utilizing a pair of counter rotating lift fans (36) driven by an air cooled internal combustion engine (34) provide compressed air into a plenum under a shell (26) moving the vehicle away from the surface upon which it is resting with the gas escape velocity evenly distributed around a peripheral skirt (28). A separate forward thrust fan (68) driven directly by a rotating pedestal mounted engine (56) provide the forward propulsion. An aileron (72) is rotatably mounted directly behind the thrust fan (68) and provides controlled response to the pitch direction of the vehicle by changing the angle of the air flow discharge. The vehicle contains a pair of movable keels (82) for operation on the water and side wings (86) to extend the effective surface of the craft.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to ground effect vehicles operating on a cushionof air in general, and more specifically to a vehicle having pitchcontrolled by an airfoil behind a thrust fan.

BACKGROUND ART

Previously, many types of vehicles have been in use using the principleof a cushion of air to provide lift from the surface upon which it isoperating in conjunction with thrust directed air flow for forwardpropulsion. In most cases, however, no consideration has been given tothe control of the pitch of the vehicle to provide an optimum use of airgap or escape nozzle of the vehicle over an irregular ground surface,and also provisions to maximize the lift potential during operation overwater. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that readdirectly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the followingU.S. patents were considered related:

    ______________________________________                                        PATENT NO.    INVENTOR     ISSUE DATE                                         ______________________________________                                        3,078,939     Bollum, Sr.  Feb. 26, 1963                                      3,187,817     Colley       June 8, 1965                                       3,412,956     Cockerell    Nov. 26, 1968                                      3,583,520     Kirpitznikoff                                                                              June 8, 1971                                       3,968,851     Windt        July 13, 1976                                      ______________________________________                                    

Bollum, Sr. teaches an earth skimming vehicle with a rudder directlybehind a screw propeller providing horizontal thrust for driving thevehicle. The rudder is provided for jaw control and is attached by astationary vertical support on the same plane and aligned fore and aftwith the vertical diameter of the propeller shroud ring. Side thrust isprovided by an open cylindrical tube having a D.C. motor driven fansupplementing the rudder for steering control.

Colley discloses a power plant for ground effect aircraft and consistsof one or more engines which are arranged to supply power for theoperation of two separate air moving devices. A power reduction meansreduces the supply whenever the speed falls below a predetermined levelmaintaining constant power supply to the remaining drive.

Cockerell is concerned with stabilizing a vehicle hovering over land orwater. This invention provides means for bringing about a steppedpressure distribution over at least part of the cushion when the vehicleis deflected from its intended orientation with a restoring forceapplied righting the directional orientation.

Kirpitznikoff teaches an air cushion vehicle with the hull formed of twointegral sections. The upper part forms the passenger cabin and thelower part is a plenum chamber. The sections are secured together with aflange and a bumper and side wall buoyancy chamber are included aroundthe plenum chamber.

Windt includes a vehicle in which the lift fan and the propulsion unitare driven from the same engine in such a manner as to keep the lift fanat a constant speed and vary the propulsion fan for speed control. Thelift fan is driven by two adjustable pulleys, one sensing torque fromthe lift fan adjusting its effective diameter, the other is regulated byspring force.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Propelling an air cushion or ground effect vehicle over an irregularsurface has been difficult in the past as considerable compressed fluidin the form of air driven by a rotating fan is required due to thevarying distance from the fixed surface. This invention taken anotherapproach to the problem, instead of simply increasing the air flow, thevehicle itself is controlled in the pitch angle allowing the vehicle tochange the distance or air gap in the front or rear of the apparatus.This feature then becomes a primary object of the invention allowingoptimum air flow during normal operation and compensating for theirregular surface with the same air flow, however, in a controlledmanner. This is accomplished by the use of a movable aileron behind athrust fan moving the rear of the vehicle up or down upon demand of theoperator effectively changing the directional air flow. This aileronalso provides stability about the pitch axis during normal operation.

An important object of the invention includes floats suspended by aframework allowing airspace above. This open area assists the liftingforce required to support the craft, as the vortex created increases thelifting force in a smaller area. With the combined utilization ofairspace and configuration reduction in weight, more lift isaccomplished.

Another object of the invention is the versatility of the vehicleoperating effectively on land as well as water with components soarranged as to accomplish this feature without modifications or complexadjustments. Further, the device is relatively small adapted to conveytwo passengers with ease sitting comfortably on top of the structurewith a removable canopy on top for protection from adverse weatherconditions.

Still another object of the invention includes the use of a motor drivenreversing fan installed in the immediate front of the vehicle in directopposition to the rear thrust fan. This auxillary fan is driven by adirect current motor and applies breaking power when the vehicle istraveling down hill or is coming to a stop. The thrust fan is throttledin speed for this purpose and with the use of this type of air movingdevice, complete and positive control may be achieved.

Yet another object of the present invention is the addition of a fluidpump located at the bottom rear of the vehicle. This pump is alsopowered by a direct current motor and ingests water in the inlet anddischarges this fluid at a high velocity in the opposite direction. Thissystem allows the craft to be steered in the docking mode whileoperating upon the surface of the water. As the discharge isdirectional, the steering capability may be realized, withinlimitations, and low speeds are dictated by the function.

A final object is directed toward the overall safety of the vehicle.Roll bars and seat belts, or harnesses, are included in case of acollision of a magnitude that would affect the passengers. Further, allof the controls are spring loaded to return the operating motors to theidle position at a low speed in the event the operator removes his handsfrom the control. The steering mechanism is also spring loaded returningthe aileron to a neutral position leveling the craft when direction islost or removed. Only one engine is utilized for both fans while liftingthe craft from the surface, and as such, if power is lost the craft willsettle easily. Separate prime movers would have the immediate effect ofinstability if one is lost or the speed is abruptly altered. A parachutenear the aft roll bar insures safety of the passengers in the event theterrain is such that sufficient distance of free fall is possible.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the subsequent detailed description of thepreferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment with theside wings retracted.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment taken alonglines 4--4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6--6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7--7 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8--8 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial diagram of the steering control system in partialisometric representation completely removed from the invention forclarity.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment takenalong lines 10--10 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the drive connection of the thrust engineand the thrust fans completely removed from the invention for clarity.

FIG. 12 is a view of one of the keels in the retracted mode completelyremoved from the invention for clarity.

FIG. 13 is a view of one of the keels in the deployed or extended mode,as above.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in the termsof a preferred embodiment that is comprised of a body 20 having anaerodynamic shape, flat on the bottom with a seating portion on the topand a pair of round orifices 22 penetrating completely through on eachend. The body 20 consists of a structural frame 24 having sufficientintegrity to support the propelling apparatus, along with two or morepassengers. The frame 24 may be of any material, such as steel,magnesium, plastic compositions, etc., with aluminum being preferred.

A shell 26 is attached to the frame encompassing the outside area,providing not only the outside protective enclosure, but alsoincorporating an integral air plenum. This shell 26 is preferablyconstructed of fiberglass, however, any thermoplastic, or the like, mayalso provide the necessary structural prerequisites.

A plurality of skirts 28 project downwardly from the shell 26 define anoutside peripheral boundary for discharge of air underneath. Theseskirts may be either attached from the frame 24, or shell 26, and may beconstructed of a resilient material that contains sufficient elasticproperties to allow irregular objects to deform them or move them asidewhen the vehicle is being propelled.

On the interior of the vehicle, attached to the frame 24, is a pluralityof foam filled float chambers 30. These chambers 30 are preferably, butnot mandatorily, filled with one third polyurethane foam on the bottom,one third dead air space in the middle, and the remaining top sectionfoamed, as above. With this combination a greater lifting force for asmaller area may be realized by the overall system. Fiberglass, or thelike, encloses the chambers 30, making them completely sealed andwatertight.

Finally, the body 20 further contains a windshield 32 in the front ofthe driver allowing protection from the prevailing ambient conditionswhile the vehicle is in operation. The windshield 32 is formed of anoptically clear thermoplastic material, such as cellulose, acetate,polypropylene, polycarbonate, or acrylic methyl methacrylate.

The prime mover for the vehicle utilizes an internal combustion liftengine 34 installed in the middle of the body 20, including all of thenecessary auxillary equipment for operation, such as a fuel tank 58,battery 60, exhaust system 62, and remote switch gear 64. The liftengine 34 is resiliently mounted on a separate pad on the frame 24 andall of the interconnecting wiring, fuel piping, exhaust piping, etc. arerouted within the structure. A plurality of fuel tanks 58 areincorporated for additional storage with the necessary crossoverswitches in the interconnecting lines located at convenient positionsproviding the operator with manual control. The lift engine 34 ispreferably the air cooled type having an internal fan to move air acrossextended surface areas within the block and heads for dissipating theheat developed by the engine in operation.

A pair of lift fans 36 are positioned within the round orifices 22 inthe body 20 and furnish a direct movement of air when rotated from thetop of the vehicle to within the plenum chamber of the shell 26. Eachfan 36 operates in an opposite direction counter rotating to balance thesystem and provide additional stability of the craft. The air flowproduced by these fans 36 create a lift effect by pushing a pressurizedcurtain of air underneath the body 20 forcing a separation of the craftfrom the surface upon which it is resting in an air cushion manner.

The fans 36 are mechanically linked to the lift engine 34 with drivemeans changing the rotational force of the engine from vertical tohorizontal. This is accomplished with a flywheel gear 40 attacheddirectly to the flywheel of the engine 34. A worm gear 42 is rotatablymeshed with the flywheel gear 40 and a pair of first bevel gears 44 areattached on each end. This arrangement changes the speed and rotationalplane of the engine 34. A set of second bevel gears 46 are meshed intothe first gears 44 restoring the operational plane, however, in oppositedirections. Directly on top of the second gears are a pair of firstsprockets 48 that have teeth extending outwardly. Each fan 36 ismechanically linked to a gear box 52 on one side and a second sprocket50 on the other. This gear box 52 has internal speed changingcapabilities allowing the optimum rotation of each fan 36. The secondsprocket 50 is much like the first 48 in that it is planar and hassimilar extending teeth. A pair of chains 54, metal or plastic, link thefirst sprocket 48 and second sprocket 50 together, transmitting powerfrom the lift engine 34 to the fans 36. Necessary lubrication means andtensioning means are included in this drive to accomplish the purpose.It will be noted that all of the components thus described are notnecessarily required to be within the scope of this invention, assimplified drive means may be incorporated with equal ease.

A forward thrust engine 56 is rotatably mounted at the rear of thevehicle to propel the craft forward. This engine 56 is also air cooledand includes all of the same accessories as described in the lift engine34. This thrust engine 56 is pivotally mounted on the frame 24 in such amanner as to move from side to side by the use of a rotatable pedestal66. This pedestal 66 is best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8 and has aplatform on the top for receiving the engine 56 and a retained baseattached to the body 20 on the bottom.

A forward thrust fan 68 is connected directly to the drive shaft of thethrust engine 56 or a gear box may be included at the interface forchanging the fan speed. A protected orifice ring 70 is utilized aroundthe periphery of the fan to maximize the air flow and provide safetyprotection from the moving blades of the fan 68. This orifice ring 70 ispreferably attached to the top platform of the pedestal 66 and becomes astructural member thereof.

An aileron 72 having an aerodynamic shape is pivotally disposed directlybehind the forward thrust fan 68 allowing the discharge air to directlyimpinge upon the exposed surface. When the aileron 72 is rotated, theair is directed in a controlled manner, either up or down, and thevehicle reacts in the opposed manner. This movement controls the pitchof the vehicle and allows the thrust fan 68 to remain in a horizontalplane simplifying the mounting.

Steering of the vehicle is controlled by a linkage, best illustrated inFIG. 9. A movable handlebar steering device 74 is mounted on the body 20forward of the midsection and lifts up, or is pushed down, and isrotated side to side. Movable aileron linkage 76 connects the handlebardevide 74 to the aileron 72 providing horizontal orientation in responseto lifting or dropping the handlebars 74, thereby controlling thedesired pitch of the vehicle. This aileron linkage 76 may be rigid bars,tubes, rods, and the like, with pivotal clevises and yokes, or mayutilize a combination of rigid members and cables with pulleystherebetween. The side to side direction of steering is controlled by athrust fan linkage 78 that extends from the bottom of the handlebarsteering device 74 to the thrust fan rotatable pedestal 66. The makeupof this linkage is the same as described above, with a crossoveroccurring in the horizontal run changing directional orientation forpositive turning response from the handlebars 74. As the handlebars 74are turned side to side, the thrust fan linkage 78 rotates the fan 68 inan arcuate vertical orientation controlling the direction of the fandischarge in an opposed manner, thereby steering the vehicle in thedesired direction.

A plurality of seats 80 are attached to the top of the body 20 allowingthe driver and an occupant to be seated thereon.

A pair of movable keels 82 are positioned under the body 20 within theplenum area of the craft. A manual pivotal keel lever mechanism 84 isattached to each keel 82 providing vertical movement. Moving the levermechanism 84 in a horizontal direction changes the orientation of thepivot points in scissor fashion allowing free movement up and down in anindependent manner. This movement extends the keels 82, which is theoptimum position for traveling on the water, decreasing the effectiveperimeter area, allowing greater lift to be provided to the vehicle inthis mode of transportation. The keel 82 and lever mechanism 84 arepictorially illustrated completely removed from the vehicle in FIGS. 12and 13 depicting this functional capability.

A pair of side wings 86 extend movably from each side of the vehiclebody changing the perimeter area to clear irregular surfaces of theground mass while the craft is in operation. Side wing positioning means88 are mechanically linked to each wing 86 in the same manner as thekeel lever mechanism 84, except in the horizontal direction. Theoperating mechanism of the positioning means 88 is located in theproximity of the drivers seat 80, allowing the wings 86 to be deployedby the operator of the vehicle while it is in motion.

A motor driven water pump 90 is located within the body 20 of thevehicle. The pump 90 contains an integral motor with the impellerconnected directly upon the drive shaft and a surrounding housing. Themotor operates on direct current electrical power generated by the liftengine 34 and is included in the storage battery 60 electrical system. Asingle inlet and a pair of outlet conduits extend beneath the body 20and ingest water into the inlet of the pump 90 and discharge thepressurized fluid at high velocity in a jet fashion. This movement ofwater propels the vehicle while in the water at slow speeds and is usedprimarily for maneuvering and docking without starting the main enginesor at an idle speed prior to lifting off.

A motor driven reversing fan 92 is mounted on the front of the vehicleand supplies an air flow to the bow. This air movement is to reverse themovement of the vehicle when the thrust fan 68 is not operating, or isused for braking while going down hill. This reverse thrust of airoperates on a small scale, as does the thrust fan 68, except in anopposite direction. Power for this reversing fan 92 is supplied from thesame source and in the same manner as the motor on the water pump 90.

A plurality of roll bars 94 are rigidly mounted to the frame 24 near theseats 80. These roll bars 94 are "U" shaped with a mounting plate oneach end protecting the occupants if the vehicle is accidently rolled onto its top. The roll bars 94 are preferably fabricated of a round metaltube having the structural integrity to accommodate such an impact.

Each seat 80 is equipped with seat belts 96, which may include aharness. These seat belts 96 are anchored securely to the frame 24 andprovide a restraining means to hold the occupants in their seats in theevent of an accidental collision, a sharp turn, or an abrupt stop, etc.

A removable canopy 98 is attached to the vehicle on the top over theseats 80 resting upon the roll bars 94. This canopy 98 may be rigid,such as fabricated of fiberglass, or constructed of a resilient clothmaterial of a synthetic fiber, or the like. In any event, the canopy 98is removably attached to the structure and functions to protect theoccupants from the elements during all weather conditions.

A hinged lift fan cover 100 is positioned on top of the lift fan 36.This fan cover 100 is hinged in a foldable manner, and also at one edgeattached to the body 20. The purpose of the cover is to provide a flatplatform for standing on and working on top of the vehicle, particularlywhen it is reating upon the water. The cover 100 may be of anystructural material, such as metal, fiberglass, or the like, as long asit possesses the structural integrity for the application. The cover 100is shown folded in FIG. 4.

A parachute 102 is mounted on the top surface of the body 20 in back ofthe rear seat 80. The folded parachute 102 is intended for slowing thedescent in the event that the vehicle accidently falls.

A deflector plate 104 is located under the bottom surface of the body 20directly beneath the lift fan 36. This plate 104 is best illustrated inFIG. 7 and covers almost the interior surface. A even space between theoutside edge of this plate 104 and the body 20 provides increasedvelocity of the discharge air thereby improving the lift effect. Theplate 104 contains oval shaped edges 106 and is held in place withspacer brackets 108 as required to maintain the integrity of thestructure.

The vehicle operates on the air cushion, or ground effect principle withthe lift fans 36 drawing air in from the top side and delivering it intoa plenum integral with the shell 26. The compressed gas, or ambient air,is discharged from around the bottom skirt 28 with an even escapevelocity creating a lifting force. The plenum, or underside, of thecrafts shell 26 in conjunction with the skirts 28 provides the insidesurface area that is pressurized and inasmuch as the surface upon whichit is resting is relatively solid, the gap or space therebetween becomesthe boundary for the compressed gas creating the lift effect. Forwardpropulsion is provided by a separate thrust engine 56 and fan 68 givingdirection to the craft. This propulsion and lift system allows theinvention to travel over earth, sand, snow, and water, etc.

While the invention has been described in complete detail andpictorially shown in the accompanying drawings, it is not to be limitedto such details, since many changes and modifications may be in theinvention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof.Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and formswhich may come within the language and scope of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A pitch controlled ground effect self-propelled vehiclecomprising:(a) a body having an aerodynamic shape and a pair of roundorifices therethrough; (b) an internal combustion lift engine havingnecessary ancillary equipment for operation thereof, positioned withinthe centermost portion of said body supplying the main source of liftpower; (c) a pair of lift fans positioned within said round orifices inthe body furnishing a direct movement of air when rotated, creating alift effect by pushing a pressurized curtain of air underneath said bodyforcing a separation of the vehicle from the surface upon which it isresting; (d) drive means dynamically connecting said engine to said fansin such a manner as to change the rotational force of the engine from avertical direction to a horizontal direction while transmittingsufficient mechanical force to rotate said fans; (e) a forward thrustengine rotatably mounted to said body providing energy to propel thevehicle forward; (f) means to mount said thrust engine on said bodywhile allowing side to side movement thereof; (g) a forward thrust fandisposed upon said forward thrust engine to provide a direct movement ofair propelling the vehicle in a forward direction; (h) an ailerondisposed directly behind said forward thrust fan providing stability andan angle of pitch to the vehicle by the horizontal position it maintainsin respect to the thrust fan; (i) steering means connected to saidforward thrust fan and aileron providing directional control of thevehicle by an operator; (j) a plurality of seats affixed on top of saidbody allowing the occupants to be seated thereon; (k) a pair of movablekeels linkingly disposed beneath said body having the capabilities ofbeing manually extended when the vehicle is traveling upon the waterssurface decreasing the effective perimeter area allowing greater lift tobe provided; and, (l) a pair of side wings extending movably from eachside of the vehicle body changing the perimeter area to clear irregularsurfaces of ground mass when the vehicle passes thereupon.
 2. Theapparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said body further comprises:(a)a frame, having sufficient structural integrity to withstand thestresses of vehicle operation, providing a mounting structure for saidengines and functional apparatus, also supporting an operator andpassengers; (b) a shell attached to said frame encompassing the topoutside area providing an air plenum and a protective enclosurethereupon; (c) a plurality of skirts projecting downwardly from saidframe defining a boundary for the discharge of the air moved by saidlift fan allowing the air to exert sufficient pressure upward to liftthe vehicle from the surface; (d) a plurality of foam filled floatchambers suspended by said frame having sufficient air space therein toprovide floatation of the vehicle when resting upon a body of water;and, (e) a windshield attached to the body forward of said seats forprotecting the driver of the vehicle while allowing clear visibilitythere-through.
 3. The invention as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising:a fuel system for said lift engine having storage tanks andinterconnecting piping attached directly to said body supplying liquidfuel as an energy source for said engine; an electrical control systemfor said lift engine including a storage battery, interconnecting wireconduit and switch gear for starting and stopping said engine; and, saidlift engine is of the air cooled type having an internal fan to move airacross extended surface areas within the engine envelope.
 4. Theinvention as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive means furthercomprises:(a) a flywheel gear attached to the flywheel of said liftengine; (b) a worm gear with a first bevel gear on each end rotatablymeshed with said flywheel gear changing the speed and rotational planeof said lift engine; (c) a set of second bevel gears each meshinglyengaging said first bevel gear defining an opposed horizontal rotationof said drive means; (d) a pair of first sprockets, one attached uponeach horizontally driven second bevel gear for connection thereof; (e) apair of gear boxes mechanically linked to each lift fan having speedchanging capabilities to furnish the optimum rotation to the fan; (f) apair of second sprockets, one fastened to each gear box for connectionthereof; and, (g) a pair of chains, each connecting the first sprocketsto the second sprocket transmitting power from the lift engine withinthe centermost portion of the vehicle to the lift fans providing themotivating force for the ground effect system.
 5. The invention asrecited in claim 1 further comprising:a fuel system for said forwardthrust engine having storage tanks and interconnecting piping attacheddirectly to said body supplying liquid fuel as an energy source for saidengine; an electrical control system for said forward thrust engineincluding a storage battery, interconnecting wire conduit, and switchgear for starting and stopping said engine; and, said forward thrustengine being of the air cooled type having an internal fan to move airacross extended surface areas within the engine envelope.
 6. Theinvention as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid means to mount said thrustengine further comprises: a rotatable pedestal having a platform on thetop for receiving the thrust engine, also a retained base on the bottomrotatably affixed to said body allowing axial movement of the thrustengine and thrust fan mounted thereupon.
 7. The invention as recited inclaim 1 whereinsaid steering means further comprises: a movablehandlebar steering device mounted on said body in front of the occupantsseat for directing the movement of the vehicle; aileron directionalcontrol means having movable linkage between said handlebar and saidaileron for positioning the aileron in a horizontal orientation inresponse to lifting or dropping the handlebar controlling the desiredpitch of the vehicle as moving air is impinged upon the aerodynamicsurface of the aileron by the thrust fan; and, thrust fan directionalmeans having movable linkage between said handlebar and said thrust fanfor positioning the fan in an arcuate vertical orientation in responseto turning the handlebar from side to side controlling the direction ofthe fan discharge in an opposed manner.
 8. The invention as recited inclaim 1 further comprising:a manual pivotal keel lever mechanismattached to each keel in such a manner as to provide vertical movementthereupon by moving the lever in a horizontal direction changing theorientation of the pivot points in scissor fashion allowing freemovement up and down as directed by each lever independent of the other.9. The invention as recited in claim 1 further comprising:side wingpositioning means mechanically linked to each wing through the bodyterminating in the proximity of the occupants seat allowing the wings tobe deployed by the operator while the vehicle is in motion.
 10. Theinvention as recited in claim 1 further comprising:a motor driven waterpump within said body supplied by electrical power from said lift enginehaving an inlet and outlet extending beneath the body surface forpropelling the vehicle in the water at low speeds for maneuvering anddocking by ingesting water in the inlet of the pump and discharging thepressurized fluid at high velocity in a jet-like manner.
 11. Theinvention as recited in claim 1 further comprising:a motor drivenreversing fan mounted in the front of the vehicle ahead of said lift fandriven by electrical energy from said lift engine ancillary equipmentfor reverse movement of the vehicle and braking in downhill operation byfurnishing a reverse thrust of air in the same manner as said forwardthrust fan, except in the opposite direction.
 12. The invention asrecited in claim 1 further comprising:a plurality of roll bars rigidlymounted upon said body in the proximity of said seats in "U" shapeattached on each end for protecting the occupants in the event thevehicle is accidently rolled upon its top by providing a structuralmember capable of withstanding the forces encountered in such an event.13. The invention as recited in claim 1 further comprising:a pluralityof seat belts anchored solidly to said frame in the proximity of saidseats providing an attaching means to restrain the occupants in theirrespective seats during vehicle movement and in the event of anaccidental collision of the vehicle.
 14. The invention as recited inclaim 1 further comprising:a removable canopy on top of the uppermostportion of said vehicle over said seats allowing the apparatus tooperate in all weather conditions protecting the occupants from theelements.
 15. The invention as recited in claim 1 further comprising:ahinged lift fan cover rotatably positioned on top of said lift fan in afoldable manner for use when said vehicle is not in operation providinga flat platform for standing upon and working on the top of the vehiclesbody.
 16. The invention as recited in claim 1 further comprising:aparachute mounted on top of said body in back of the seats for slowingthe descent in event that the vehicle accidently falls.
 17. Theinvention as recited in claim 1 further comprising:a deflector platehaving a concave bottom surface and oval shaped edges with spacerbrackets located within said body directly beneath said lift fansproviding a diffused air flow path from said lift fans directing the airto the preferal area around the inside of said body at an increasedvelocity.